Burlington, VT

Above Avg · 119

Vermont · Population 44,649 · Updated March 2026

$1,609
Median Rent / Month
$68,854
Median Income
$400,200
Median Home Value
$1,654
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Burlington

28.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in Vermont

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

8.75%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
1.9%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$19,308
Annual Rent
$6,025
State Income Tax
$7,604
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Burlington is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 119 (where 100 equals the national median), Burlington residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,609/month while earning a median household income of $68,854/year.

The median home value in Burlington, VT is $400,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,654 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%, Burlington falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

Vermont's top income tax rate of 8.75% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 1.9% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Burlington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Burlington

What is the cost of living in Burlington, VT?
The cost of living index in Burlington, VT is 119 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,609, median household income is $68,854/year, and the median home value is $400,200.
Is Burlington, VT affordable?
No, Burlington is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 119. The rent-to-income ratio is 28.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Burlington, VT?
The median gross rent in Burlington, VT is $1,609 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $19,308.
What is the median household income in Burlington?
The median household income in Burlington, VT is $68,854 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Vermont?
Vermont has a top income tax rate of 8.75%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.9%.